Yuki Neydor Rod Range

We got our hands on the Yuki Neydor series of rods a few months ago and we’ve been giving them a run out ever since. This gives us the opportunity to make sure they are suitable for the UK market, that they do the job they are designed for and importantly, when we get questions from our customers, we know what we’re talking about!

Although we’ve been testing these rods over the past few months, I want to take you back to the end of May. We had been getting a decent run of plaice all along our patch of the South Coast around Brighton. With these numbers of plaice arriving it gave us an ideal opportunity to take the five rods in the Yuki Neydor series out for a blast!

The five rods in the range are numbered in sequence, the Yuki Neydor ZX7 through to the Yuki Neydor ZX11. The ZX7 is the cheapest and the ZX11 is the most expensive.

Looks wise, they’re awesome! A white butt section followed by black thereafter. With each different rod having an alternative complimentary colour to set it apart from the rest.

To give these rods a good workout I had with me Callum Graham and Charlie Tudball, both members of the England U21 Shore Team and Tronixpro Pro Staff. Alongside them was David Graham, the manager of the England U16 team and myself.

We were armed with some top quality fresh black lug and ragworm, these would be loaded onto various 2 and 3 hook rigs to see if we could catch some fish, whilst giving the rods a decent workout.

We started with ZX7 and then worked our way through the range. All rods tested were the 4.2m versions, all of us prefer 4.2m rods but all versions are available in both 4.2m and 4.5m.

Our Findings

A nice looking blank design finished in black, white and bronze, giving it a similar look to the popular Kenta Plus. The ZX7 is the only rod in the range with a tubular tip, all other models have a hybrid tip, this coupled with its lower price should make this popular with UK sea anglers.

It has an easy casting through action with good recovery. Perfect for fishing with heavier 5oz and 6oz weights, it’s responsive the heavier you go. It features K guides which are more suited to heavier diameter lines, making the whole rod suited to fishing heavier tackle on rougher ground for bigger fish. This had already set the bar high!

Yuki Neydor ZX8

Yuki Description

Three sections surf casting rod of the Neydor series with semi parabolic action, very easy to use without giving up its very high performance. Super light high modulus carbon manufactured with helical cross carbon technology. Very sensible hybrid tip that helps precisely detect the bites. Ergonomic handle, Fuji low rider Alconite guides, Fuji SIC top tip guides and Fuji DPS reel seat.”

Our Findings

This rod is finished in a striking red, white and black, it looks the part! It features low rider rings and a hybrid tip, making it more suited to lighter lines and lighter weights. We think the rating of 100 to 250g is misleading on this one, it has a noticeably lighter action than the ZX7 and is much happier casting weights of 4 and 5ozs. It casts weights of this range well and the through action of the rod is easy to use and enjoyable to fish with.

Finished in a monotone black, white and silver, the ZX9 has a classic look and feel. It has been constructed with a bit more “oomph” with more power in the butt and mid sections, making this rod more suited to distance fishing. However, still capable of casting delicate baits without smashing them to bits. We think the optimum casting weight is 4oz plus bait, but it also handles 5oz fine too!

Yuki Neydor ZX10

Yuki Description

Model of the Neydor super light high modulus carbon series. Its latest technology helical cross carbon reinforcement makes the rod a lot lighter and easier to handle. A powerful and light rod, it shines by its adaptability to any situation. Its hybrid tip detects the most sensitive bites. Ergonomic handle and quality finishes. Fuji “K” Alconite guides, Fuji SIC top tip guide and Fuji DPS reel seat.

Our findings

Finished in a classic looking black, white and blue the ZX10 is a bit special. It has smaller K guides which are ideal for intermediate lines. It was fantastic at whacking 5oz weights but handles 4oz and 6oz weights well too. This is a perfect summer rod with enough backbone for big distance casting. The ZX10 has a more obvious contrast between tubular blank and hybrid tip section. This allows for greater bite indication even when fishing at distance. It has lightening quick recovery with a gradual build-up of power and plenty left in reserve.

Our findings

Finished in black, white and gold, the Yuki Neydor ZX11 oozes class. It’s slightly stiffer than the ZX10, giving reserves of power for casting bigger leads. The lightning fast recovery and feather light pick up improves casting no end. This is a quality piece of kit and a fitting showpiece product for the Neydor range.

Summary

The Neydor series is a quality range of rods, they all look and feel great and are easy to use and forgiving. For us the highlight of the range was the ZX7, with its low-price point and tubular tip it is ideal for most UK fishing, it casts well and is a great fishing tool. The unanimous favourite was the ZX10, a seriously good piece of kit that I no longer have…as Callum stole it!